Elmo Zumwalt

Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr. (29 November 1920-2 January 2000) was a US Navy Admiral who served as Chief of Naval Operations from 1970 to 1974, succeeding Thomas H. Moorer and preceding James L. Holloway III.

Biography
Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr. was born in San Francisco, California in 1920, and he joined the US Navy in 1939 and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1942. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944, and he helped to disarm Japanese POWs in China at the end of World War II in 1945. In 1965, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and given command of a cruiser and destroyer flotilla in San Diego, and, in September 1968, he became commander of Naval Forces Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was promoted to Vice Admiral in October, and he served as naval advisor to Creighton Abrams, whom he described as the most caring officer he had ever known. In 1970, President Richard Nixon appointed him Chief of Naval Operations, and he served until 1974. He reduced racism and sexism in the Navy and authorized sideburns, mustaches, longer-groomed hair, and beer-dispensing machines for the sailors. He retired in 1974 and launched a failed US Senate bid in 1976 as a Democrat, being defeated by incumbent independent Harry F. Byrd Jr. 57% to 38%. He later resided in Arlington, and he died of mesothelioma in 2000 at the age of 79, having been frequently exposed to asbestos during his Navy service.